Xingpai Group, whose businesses span the sports, real-estate and health sectors, is playing a critical role in promoting billiard sports at both the elite and grassroots levels.

While Xingpai Sports is the only company in the world operating three major events－the China Open, the Chinese Pool World Championship and the Yushan World Open (another World Snooker ranking event)－on the same calendar year.

"With increasing investment and support from the public, snooker will be growing faster in popularity than ever and I hope more and more people will get involved in the sport," said Gan.

"Hosting major international tournaments like the China Open will develop more rising local stars and help China become a powerhouse in the sport."

The WPBSA is delighted to have Xingpai on board.

"To have the support from Xingpai has been very complementary to that partnership with China," said Ferguson. "It's not just about major events and one or two big stars, it's about how can we provide the opportunity and inspiration to the rest of the nation, and in fact the rest of the world, that they can also achieve in our sport."